LeBron James will miss the NBA Opening Day for the first time in his NBA career.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer is expected to be sidelined for at least three to four weeks due to sciatica in his right side. LeBron James has reportedly been suffering from this injury since July, and it has affected the 40-year-old’s entire offseason training schedule.
This is a blow to the Los Angeles Lakers, who are hoping for a real championship this year. It’s also a reminder that while James seemed immortal throughout his career, Father Time captures everything. This is the reality of relying on a star entering his 23rd NBA season.
But while it’s bad news for the Lakers, one of their other stars could use his absence to not only save the team’s season, but also make them millions of dollars.
Austin Reeves did not sign an extension with the Lakers this offseason and is scheduled to become a free agent next summer. He said he has no intention of leaving LA, but wants to prove he’s worth more than the four-year, $89.2 million contract he was offered.
Reaves was the Lakers’ third star last season, along with James and Luka Doncic. He scored a career-high 45 points against the Indiana Pacers, which could be a sign of things to come.
James was out that night with a sore ankle, allowing Reeves to step into a bigger role. It was a role he excelled at. He showed he can take another step toward NBA stardom if given the chance.
The Lakers are currently looking for players who can step up in James’ absence. Doncic can lead this team to the playoffs, but they’ll need some firepower along with Doncic if they have any chance of winning a title in the overlapping Western Conference.
If Reaves can consistently repeat last season’s success while James is out, he will be elevated to another stratosphere. He could be an All-Star this year.
Not only would that be incredible for the Lakers’ title chances, but it could also earn Reeves millions. He bet on himself this summer by turning down a $90 million offer. And for Reeves, there couldn’t have been a better opportunity to prove himself.
Reeves is seeking a $30 million-a-year contract with the Lakers, which is why he turned down a four-year, $89.2 million offer.
But if Reaves can take another step without James on the court this season, that goal could change dramatically. An All-Star appearance, for example, could increase his value to about $35 million to $40 million annually as teams around the league look to second stars.
Due to the Lakers’ cap restrictions, the most the Lakers could pay Reaves is $30 million annually. And if he performs as well as he did last season, that would likely sign him. But if he shows further improvement, they may have to ask some tough questions.
The Lakers would have to make significant roster changes and sacrifice future flexibility in order to pay Reaves more than $35 million. It would also take real confidence that he can be a complementary star alongside Doncic for years to come.
The Lakers face a difficult dilemma. While Reaves’ big year gives them a serious chance at a championship, it could also hurt their flexibility for years to come. And if Reaves continues on this trajectory, NBA teams will be willing to take a chance.